Original subtitles

In 1743, 100 years following the Manchu War of 1636,

the ruling party reigned over the King's power.

Yi Seon Yi, the Crown Prince, wished

to overthrow China according to the will of King Hyojong.

Tearing down the humiliating monument, he challenged the ruling party.

I'll rewrite the history of Joseon with the hand of a king.

The ruling party trying to assassinate the Crown Prince,

ended up incriminating him for treason in collusion with China.

Baek Sagoeng was sentenced to death, pretending to have committed

the crime instead of the Crown Prince.

Don't move even one step!

What are you going to do, Crown Prince?

Behead Baek Sagoeng and kill his entire family too.

- Your Highness! - I won't yield any more.

A gale is blowing on the destiny of Joseon once again.

[Episode 1]

Hey Kwangtaek, are you here?

So did you come to welcome me?

I didn't sleep all night waiting for you.

Thanks, but I don't have time to shoot the breeze with you.

Really...

What's wrong? Are you worried for the Crown Prince?

Spare me some time. Even a moment.

That would be too long.

It's been a while.

Let me have a taste of your sword skills.

Baek Sagoeng will be beheaded.

Since his family tacitly complied with him, they too will be hung.

It seems I've won today.

You seem so determined to kill me, it's bone chilling.

Kill your thirst at least.

I'll be looking forward to next time.

You're here.

How is she?

She just went into labor.

Why now?

This is not treason.

Then what is it?

Do we need permission from

the Chinese emperor to tear down

the 100 year old monument?

Stop talking nonsense.

Do you think it would be good for Joseon

to rattle China's nerves these days?

Your Highness, what are you afraid of?

Didn't Joseon once consider them barbarians?

I just want to kick the barbarians

out and take our lost territory back.

Be quiet!

We don't have the manpower or willpower to do that.

They took 10,000 pieces of gold

and our innocent women because of your reckless behavior.

How will you take the responsibility for this?

There is no need to provoke them.

Resign from your regency at once.

You will be placed under probation.

Your Highness!

Do you understand?

What is this nasty smell?

These riff raff not even worth cursing...

Back off.

Hey...

Just who do you think you are?

Not even an ant can get past me.

Crazy wild boar, who are you to block us?

This fellow is a traitor for certain!

Heed! Hurry up and catch that criminal!

[Nangseon: A weapon of bamboo or metal with nine to 11 sharp blades attached to the spear]

Get out of the way!

Now...

Try and stab me again.

You rotten scum...

Take a gander.

I have 88 secret weapons on me, you clowns.

Didn't I say not one of you clowns could get past me?

This sword will be for sawing through your bones

and this sword will be for flaying your flesh off them.

He's out of his mind for certain.

Heed! What are you doing? Hurry up and take that ruffian's head!

You wanted to die that badly?

And what about you?

It seems you can't wait to get into hell.

Hurry up and behead this traitor!

Yes, sir.

Since we promised to die together,

I'll be your comrade in hell.

Don't worry.

You won't die.

[Swordmaster: Kim Kwangtaek (Most skilled swordsman in Joseon)]

How dare you!

Approach one step closer,

and this conniver will also be punished under the law.

You came.

What are you doing here?

Things just sort of came to this.

Stop!

[Hong Daejoo (Chief of Police)]

Who do we have here?

Isn't this the swordmaster?

What's going on here?

Isn't it obvious?

This is treason.

Treason? That's absurd.

His house has faithfully served the royal family for generations.

For what reason do you say he incited treason?

I will speak to His Highness in person.

Swordmaster, there's no need for that.

It's the King's order.

I mean the King gave this order himself.

The King did?

That's not possible.

There must be a mistake.

What are you waiting for?

He violated the royal command, so behead him with the criminals!

Stop!

A sign of royal pardon!

His Highness once pledged to save a life, no matter whose it is.

Even the sign of royal pardon won't be able to save the life of a traitor.

If Baek Sagoeng survives, you must know the Crown Prince will be in utmost danger.

It's about the Crown Prince.

Lord, this sign may not be able to save my life, but it might save him.

What are you doing?

What do you think?

Swordmaster.

May I speak to him for a moment?

In that case, you may.

You may be master of the situation this time.

But remember, I'll be keeping my eye on you.

I'm sorry.

What would you have to be sorry for?

If I can protect His Excellency the Crown Prince's

safety with my worthless life, that's enough.

I have a favor to ask of you.

What is my child guilty of?

Please take care of my unborn baby.

Don't worry...

And journey in peace.

What are you talking about?

Shouldn't we try to save his life, no matter what it takes?

It's too late.

Sagoeng!

Sagoeng!

Don't you have anything to say?

Actually, I failed to arrest him.

That is... Baek Sagoeng's sidekick had some sort of unusual abilities...

Stop your babbling.

I didn't give you your position so I could hear weak excuses.

Forgive me.

What was his appearance like?

Judging from his rude manner, he must be a commoner.

That's right. His hair was disheveled.

And the most terrible stink came off his body.

Is that all?

Considering that he uses a butcher's knife...

Butcher's knife?

Is he someone you know?

Excuse me?

There is only one man who can wield a crude butcher knife's with skill.

[In (Heuksa Chorong Master of Men)]

His name is Heuksamo.

Heuksamo?

That is quite a peculiar name.

He must love dirt. [Heuk: black or dirt, samo: to love]

He's a butcher by trade. It's why he's so strong and handles a knife well.

What will you do? How about facing him yourself?

I'll pay you a generous price.

All I need is one night with a prostitute.

Two would be even better.

So the boa constrictor finally slithers out.

I'm not a boa constrictor, but a cobra.

Kwangtaek!

You're no match for him.

Why don't you take care of your sister-in-law?

Alright.

You must be the youngest black assassin.

The youngest?

That wounds my pride.

Swordmaster, are you by chance insane?

Considering the rumors of you alone are formidable,

I thought I would meet a gentleman.

But as you belittle me so,

how can I respect you?

Do you know of me?

Those who don't know swordmaster Kwangtaek cannot be called warriors of Joseon.

How do reprobates like you who love money, power and prostitutes

even dare speak of being warriors?

Prostitutes? But I like that word.

Anyhow, my sword is going to enjoy itself splendidly tonight.

[My utmost love Baek Sagoeng]

What's going on?

Not yet...

Any who crosses this line will get to know what hell looks like.

I'm suddenly curious about hell.

Step aside!

Getting to visit hell while alive looks fun.

You're getting ahead of yourself.

You must escape now.

Truth be told, I laughed at the rumors

you were the best swordsman in Joseon.

But I'm pleased to find out it wasn't a lie.

You talk too much.

Does this snake hold a knife in his mouth?

I hold one in mouth and one in my buttocks.

If you paid me for a trip to hell

with one of your members, which one would you have me take?

That's too difficult a question!

You need at least 100 years to reach my level.

I lost!

I lost!

I've completely lost.

It won't be solved so easily.

Are you there?

Baek Sagoeng was originally from a family of warriors.

If we don't catch his son, it'll come back to haunt us someday.

You must find him and kill him no matter what it takes.

Do you understand?

Yes, sir.

[Heuksa Chorong (Guild Headquarters)]

I heard you would come today.

This is wild ginseng from Mt. Baekdu.

Wild ginseng?

Do you think that will be enough?

I also brought 500 kilograms

of cultured ginseng.

500 kilograms of ginseng?

That much...

By the way, have you not found the late king's northern campaign plan?

[Bukbeol Jigye: Military strategy to conquer the north left by King Hyojong]

Joseon hides its head in the sand for now.

However, it is not a kingdom to be trifled with.

His Majesty is worried about that northern campaign plan.

I will deliver it.

Oh now...

Delivering the plan won't solve the problem.

Don't you know that you had to remain

in this country to spy on those traitors?

So you must get that plan in your hands.

How is a yellow dragon scared of a rabbit?

What did you say?

Wouldn't you agree?

How is His Majesty so concerned about a plan that may not even exist?

Isn't that right?

As long as I'm alive, Joseon will never conquer China.

You should tell that to His Majesty.

From the look in your eyes, you don't even seem to fear the heavens.

If they're the heavens of Joseon, I'm not afraid.

Did you attach it?

Yes.

Put it on.

You lost your finger to a tiger, but at least you kept your life.

Isn't it fortunate?

Yes, it is.

Didn't I tell you to avoid Kwangtaek if you met him?

Stop with your lecturing.

How could you understand how I feel right now?

Daewoong, know that it could have been worse.

If the Heuksa Chorong get into danger because of this incident,

how would you take responsibility?

Pull yourself together for now.

This liquor bottle is too small.

Bring me the whole pot!

You should forget what you witnessed earlier, understand?

In that case...

It's shabby, but just hold on a little longer.

No, it's fine.

She's been in labor all day.

If I counted the time right, you're over 10 months pregnant.

I'm fine.

Please don't worry.

Please take good care of yourself.

What if something goes wrong?

Please take good care of her.

I will.

My husband...

What happened to him?

Do you still not know how he is?

He's a gentleman and would never leave his family behind.

These dogs...

Didn't I tell you to leave?

Boss, what's going on? This used to be a quiet village...

Nothing's going on, so mind your own business.

Isn't that Lord Baek's?

These rascals...

Do I need to beat some sense into you?

Rest in peace.

As a child, I would cut through

the moon's reflection on the water.

But I'll never reach the moon in the sky.

If I can create a ripple on the surface, I'll be happy.

Your Excellency, please don't.

He was my teacher before he was my retainer.

Forgive your unworthy student.

Sir, what is this commotion?

Search thoroughly!

- Yes, sir! - Arrest everyone!

Arrest all the pregnant women!

Spare me!

Search thoroughly!

Arrest them!

Let's go.

Give me back my baby!

What's going on here?

Didn't you hear?

The wife and son of the traitor ran away.

Really?

So they're locking up all the newborn babies

and pregnant women in jail if they're not nobles including beggars and the like.

What?

That doesn't make sense.

It's the law to respect the people of the kingdom.

If you don't keep your trap shut, you could get killed in secret.

If they so much as hear a baby cry, they come and arrest you.

The baby will be due soon.

What shall we do now?

My baby, you heard too, didn't you?

Hold on a little longer.

You can't come out into the world yet.

Is she in labor then?

I'm not sure what's happened.

The fetus isn't moving a lot.

But it's already gone down to the pelvis.

Then why isn't the baby born yet?

Tell me.

That is...

The interval of labor is still long. And the water hasn't broken yet.

It's not time yet.

She has been pregnant for over 11 months.

Why does the baby not come out?

I'll prescribe her some herbal medicine for delivery...

Herbal medicine?

You little cheat...

How many times have you prescribed herbal medicine already?

Kwangtaek, this rascal must be a con artist trying to peddle medicine.

Who do you think I am?

What are you doing?

Let go of him.

In my opinion, the mother doesn't want to deliver the baby yet.

How is that possible?

Are you saying a woman can control the date of her delivery?

Well...

I don't know either, so do as you please.

You rascal!

Out of the way!

Search thoroughly!

Let no one escape!

We heard a pregnant woman lives in this house. Let us see her.

What are you talking about?

I heard you're looking for the traitor's child.

There's no newborn baby in that house.

She's not even close to delivery yet, so there's nothing to see.

Oh boy, these guys...

He said there's no mother or baby...

They're not here?

What did I tell you?

They're over there!

This rascal.

Captain, that house is suspicious.

Let's go!

Yes, sir!

What are you doing there?

One, two, three, four...

There seems to be at least 12 of them.

What are we going to do with them?

I'll take care of them.

So you just hang around back there.

Talking nonsense again. How can I trust you?

I wish you would just listen to me...

These rascals are laughing over nothing. So what are you plotting now?

I'm afraid we took the wrong place.

These rascals almost died last time, so they must be out of their minds.

So you should get going!

This wild boar!

Heed!

My lady!

My lady!

Lady Park!

Lady Park!

She went as far as to do this...

Kwangtaek...

Push a little more!

Push a little more...

Push a little more!

A little more! More...

My baby, my baby...

You did a good job. Give him to me.

Let me see...

Isn't he twisted?

He must have been stuck in the narrow part of the uterus too long.

How could this happen?

Hey... Lower your voice.

And you, call the doctor right now.

Yes.

How is the mother?

She's bleeding a lot.

Are you alright?

My baby... Let me see my baby.

Don't worry about your baby, but worry about yourself first.

You have to live

for your baby to live too.

Why?

Why won't you let me see my baby?

Is something wrong with him?

It's a very healthy boy.

He'll be a very strong man after his father.

Did his father name him already?

His name is Dongsoo.

Baek Dongsoo?

Is it the name Sagoeng gave him?

Don't worry about the baby.

And please take care of yourself.

Don't worry and journey in peace.

I promise to look after the child.

Don't worry.

Will these be enough men to fight against the swordmaster?

Kwangtaek!

The traitor's wife is already dead.

She would have died anyway.

Tie the criminals!

Samo, he's probably after my neck.

You, go bury Lady Park's body.

What?

Anyone willing to lose their life, step forward.

Stop!

Are you going to violate the royal command?

Put down your sword!

If he leaves the baby and runs away, he's not a tiger.

Hurry and catch him!

Yes, sir!

Catch him!

Catch him!

Where's Kwangtaek?

He must have a plan.

Stop!

Swordmaster,

having helped the traitor escape,

you must know you've committed a crime equal to treason.

If it is a crime to look after your friend's family,

I'm willing to accept the punishment.

However, I'm not sure His Highness would agree with you.

You're terribly mistaken.

Do you believe His Highness will be on your side?

Time will tell.

Lord!

The baby was born deformed. At least call the doctor for him.

Since when have the police given medical aid to criminals?

The criminal, Kim Kwangtaek, helped the traitor to escape and hide,

I'll behead him according to the royal command.

The traitor's son will die by boiling.

Throw him into the water!

Please save him!

Throw him into the water!

Yes, sir!

Let him live, please!

What are you doing?

Yes, sir.

Stop!

It is the King's command that the criminal Kim Kwangtaek be spared.

Untie him!

Yes, sir!

Your Highness, this is about the swordmaster.

You gave him a royal sword and a sign of royal pardon as a gift.

And you gave him the title of Lord.

You gave him credit for making known the skill

of the swordsmen of Joseon and named him swordmaster...

This is the sign of royal pardon I gave him!

If I cancel my royal command, I will lose face.

You're the only man who can revoke your command.

I can't save both man and baby.

You must choose one.

Will it be the swordmaster or the baby?

Your Excellency!

What are you doing?

Hurry and throw him into the water!

Yes, sir!

Your Excellency!

It's only a newborn baby.

This is beyond the Crown Prince's power.

Lord, even if it is a royal command...

How can one kill an innocent baby and call it justice?

Justice shouldn't be influenced by personal feelings.

A loyal retainer should respect the law and royal command.

How do you not know this?

What are you doing? Hurry and throw him into the water!

I have a favor to ask of you.

Please take care of my unborn baby.

Stop!

Spare this baby.

In return, I'll give one of my arms.

What did you just say?

Spare this baby's life.

And in return, I'll give one of my arms.

Do you mean this, swordmaster?

Yes, Your Highness.

Your arms do not belong only to you.

You are to establish the swordsmanship of Joseon to save the people...

Your Excellency...

If I cannot save one life, I will be able to save no one.

If I can't save an innocent baby's life, of what use is one of my arms?

Your Excellency, you should grant his wish.

If the swordmaster gives one of his arms,

His Highness will forgive his crimes.

Swordmaster, this is an irrevocable decision.

I, Kim Kwangtaek,

was not born to a noble family.

And I have never been rich.

But walking the path of a warrior, paying my debt,

I know deep in my bones what is right and wrong.

If I can save that baby's life with one of my arms,

I would give it a hundred, even a thousand times.

We need a guillotine.

Bring down the guillotine!

Be careful.

Someone will be out there looking for you.

Let's test your armless swordsmanship!

I can't even run or eat by myself!

What do I have to be grateful for?

You were born with a killer's instinct.

You shouldn't have been born.

This is our pledge which can't be broken or denied.

Now it's time for you to take over this task.

It seems the time we've waited for has come.

Goodbye, Your Excellency, Crown Prince!

Help!

Dongsoo, you're the treasure of noblest family of warriors in Korea...

He ordered me to gather all the youth with talent...

You two will be ranked today...

Those little...